Premier League confirm huge Chelsea vs Liverpool referee decision after controversial VAR call

Craig Pawson will have a key role for Chelsea vs Liverpool just one week on from a controversial decision (Image: (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images))

Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League's biggest fixture of gameweek 6, with a slightly controversial decision confirmed ahead of the clash. Enzo Maresca's side and the champions head into the match at Stamford Bridge following defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace, respectively.

The Blues initially went in front against Brighton, but conceded three goals in the final 15 minutes, with a red card shown to Trevoh Chalobah just after half-time playing a key role.

"It's a tough one because we were in control of the game, we scored one, we scored more, we didn't concede nothing, they just said to me also in terms of data, we had so many shots in the first half, 70% of possession, everything was fine," Maresca in his press conference admitted after the game.

"And then suddenly, because of our mistake, and then with the red card, again, the plan completely changed. So for me we played two games, first-half, and then unfortunately after the red card."

Around the same time that Danny Welbeck netted the Seagulls' third, Eddie Nketiah snatched all three points for Palace against Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Federico Chiesa thought he had got his side a draw with another goal from the bench, but Arne Slot's side were ultimately handed their first defeat of the season.

The Liverpool boss has since confirmed that Chiesa picked up an injury in his cameo which could make him a doubt for the trip to west London. Before then, both Liverpool and Chelsea are in Champions League action, but build-up to their meeting has certainly already begun.

As revealed by the Premier League on their official website , the six officials that will be in charge for the clash have been confirmed.

Anthony Taylor will be the referee and be assisted on the ground by linesmen Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn with Farai Hallam as the fourth official. At Stockley Park, Craig Pawson will be on VAR with Adrian Holmes alongside him.

The decision to have Pawson in such a big role perhaps comes as a surprise after the controversy surrounding Manchester United's penalty against Brentford last weekend. Nathan Collins was penalised and shown a yellow card by Pawson for preventing Bryan Mbeumo from reaching a cross into the box.

With all referees having a clear view of the rulebook, it was interesting that he only booked the Bees defender despite it being a clear he did not make an attempt for the ball. That stops the double jeopardy rule of a penalty and red card being awarded from applying which means he should have been sent off.

The main confusion seemed to arrive through Andy Madley not recommending Pawson to review his decision at the pitchside monitor which has seen him reduced to fourth official duties for Manchester City's trip to Brentford.